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Knee Injections

Dr. Howard Liss treats disorders that cause pain and disability by providing consultative services and soft tissue and joint injections when needed. When medically appropriate, he makes specific referrals for diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, electrodiagnosis), physical and occupational therapy, interventional procedures (epidurals and facet joint injections), and surgery.

Knee pain and injuries encompass a wide range of factors and conditions, from acute injury and trauma to underlying medical conditions and overuse. Injections remain an effective orthopedic and sports treatment protocol to reduce pain and inflammation. At the same time, knee injections provide pertinent diagnostic information to physiatrists concerning the nature and source of a patient’s knee condition.

Through an x-ray guided procedure, or fluoroscopy, a small needle is inserted into the knee joint. Contrast dye is used to ensure that the needle is placed properly. For individuals with significant knee pain and swelling, corticosteroid injections often provide immediate pain relief while reducing inflammation.

Other injections include a derivative of hyaluronan called Synvisc (Hylan G-F 20). Specifically, for patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis, this high viscosity substance is comparable to synovial fluid naturally found in the knee joint. In turn, prolotherapy injections prove beneficial for knee pain from weak ligaments or tendons by triggering the body’s natural inflammatory response. The injection is placed in a concentrated area where healing is promoted by localized inflammation and new formation of collagen.

Rehabilitation Following Knee Injections

Without question, knee injections provide relief for patients suffering from pain and limited mobility due to inflammation. Yet, comprehensive rehabilitation is necessary for patients to maintain a pain-free, active lifestyle. Under the direction of the physiatrist, knee injections along with rest, ice therapy and elevation are often part of early treatment.  They provide diagnostic information and prepare patients for rehabilitation.

Once pain and inflammation become managed, rehabilitation aims to help patients remain pain-free. This is while restoring their level of functioning with selective exercises that focus on multiple muscle groups, as they relate to the patient’s knee condition. In addition, rehabilitation incorporates patient education and awareness of body mechanics, including modifications to sports-specific movements, both sensory and reaction, and everyday activities. Ultimately, physiatrists organize rehabilitation that equips patients, both physically and mentally, to reach their highest level of functioning and prevent re-injury.

At the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute in Tenafly, patients can rely on Dr. Liss to put together the right treatment, therapy and rehabilitation plan to ensure the most optimal outcome. Dr. Liss works closely with other specialists required to rehabilitate patients suffering from chronic pain or serious injuries, and Dr. Liss will refer patients as needed to ensure appropriate treatment. With extensive education and exposure to a variety of conditions that affect the cervical and lumbar spine, bones, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, brain, and spinal cord, Dr. Liss is uniquely positioned to help patients manage their pain and maximize their functioning.

To learn more about knee injections or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Liss, contact the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute today.

 
 

Rehabilitation Institute

111 Dean Drive Suite 1
Tenafly, NJ, 07670
Fax: (201) 871-2214

Call Us: (201) 390-9200